Police said the fire broke out around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday near Burrell and Clifford streets.

"People on this side were covering their noses because the smoke was just barreling this way, you know, and out of control, it was scary," said neighbor Walter Jones.

Firefighters said one person, believed to be the owner of the two-story building suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital and released. An arson team is investigating the cause.

"I don't know what the arson investigator was looking at specifically, but it is routine for us anytime there is heavy damage to investigate," said Deputy Chief Sean Slowey of the Milwaukee Fire Department. "Anytime there is a lot of fire damage and the fire gets going very well prior to our arrival, or there's a large amount of property damage or occupants are injured, then we always investigate."

Witnesses told 12 News they saw the owner screaming from the upstairs back porch. Jennifer Henry said she was just hoping no one was inside.

"It was just incredible flames coming out of every window, and the fire department and the police (were) everywhere," said Henry.

Mike Osoweski was worried about the flames spreading to his house next door.

The building was not only a home, but also a rehearsal space with several bands leasing the downstairs space for practice. One band member told 12 News his equipment loss alone is worth thousands of dollars.

The Red Cross also responded to help residents who were displaced by the fire.